1 AN OVERVIEW OF ADOLESCENCE ME, MYSELF AND I A time of great changes The period of between childhood and adulthood is called adolescence. For girls, it is the period between 10 and 18; for boys, between 11 and 19. Adolescence extends from the start of puberty to complete sexual maturity. This stage has distinctive in common for both sexes: rapid physical and mental growth 1 features accelerated physical growth and development of the reproductive organs; changes in the functioning of the neuro-endocrine system; frequent changes and emotional turbulence because of increased hormone production; mood development of moral reasoning. WARM UP ☐ A time for fun ☐ A time of conflict ☐ A period of stress ☐ A time of ups and downs ☐ A time of frustration ☐ A time of new experiences ☐ A struggle for independence ☐ Atime for self-exploration • How would you deflne your adolescence? Tlck the appropriate boxes and try to explaln yourfeelings. MORE Puberty is the time in life when a boy or giri becomes sexually mature. 1 A time of problems Adolescence is often a in life, when numerous problems may occur: critical stage Development of acne: a side-effect of the influx of sex hormones, acne develops in both sexes, mainly on the face, where it may increase and about body image. self-consciousness concern Anxiety and hypochondria: these are psychosomatic disorders which cause concern about health. undue Extreme fluctuation in social behaviour: social , exhibitionism and aggressive , as well as alternating periods of and are frequent features. awkwardness self-assertion loneliness gregariousness Eating : some diet to control their weight, others tend to overeat. patterns Inability to concentrate on things or enjoy them: this may lead to irritability, fatigue, insomnia and depression. Phobias: adolescents (and children) may experience specific phobias, such as intense, irrational fears of certain objects or situations. Substance addiction (drugs, alcohol or tobacco): the reasons for using these substances include the desire to feel independent, frustration, depression, or a false belief in increased physical, mental or intellectual performance. peer-pressure From adolescence to adult life The to and survive all these problems of adolescence is all part of preparing for adult life, and a formative period of both physical and psychological health. . During this period, adolescents gradually move out of the family, beginning to form a sense of self-identity in relation to the outer world, physiological and behavioural transformations and acquiring awareness. struggle face A healthy adolescence is essential for a healthy adulthood undergoing